This weekend brings one of my favorite times of year: Breathe Christian Writers Conference, a time of gathering with like-minded writers and lovers of literature to learn from nationally acclaimed speakers and local folks alike on the craft of writing. 

This year's theme is Celebrate Story, and the smart, savvy group of writers, agents and editors who run this conference have been promoting the theme on their blog since, oh, about May.

My friend Alexis, who is on the planning committee, just picked up the programs today:

(Photo courtesy of Alexis De Weese)

Bellissimo! 

I can't wait. I am excited about learning more about appreciating, writing and pitching great poetry; how to become a better blogger; how to hone my voice as a writer; and how to persevere through those pesky dry patches and times I just want to give up.

On top of all that, I'll get to see the many writer friends I met there in 2014 and 2015, browse through a mobile bookstore courtesy of Baker Book House, and enjoy catered meals as part of my registration package.

If you want to come, it's not too late to register. Hope to see you there!
Last night was the kick-off to my church's fall women's ministry/small group sessions for the year, and I couldn't be happier that I went.

Here's my small group for the year.
If you're an introvert like me, you know that sometimes the most appealing way to spend an evening is at home in your pajamas, nose in a good book or binge-watching your favorite TV show. This is why it's always a battle for me when it comes time to decide whether I want to join a small group at church.

To be honest, most years I've opted out. In 2014-15, I joined a fall/spring group and a summer group—and was so glad I went!—but then I skipped 2015-16 altogether.

This year, I've been somewhat isolated because for the past six months I've been between jobs, job-hunting from home. So it's going to be a really important step for me to have a regular commitment that gets me out of the house one evening a week.

And guess what else? When we were getting to know each other at the kick-off last night, we discovered that many of us are introverts. So we're in the same boat.

If you are on the fence about joining a group, whether it's a book club, small group or writer's circle, I highly recommend you give it a shot. You never know just how your life will expand and flourish as a result.

As for me, I can't wait to see what lies in store for our group as we dive into the book of Colossians together.
It's been awhile since I posted! The summer drifted by in a pleasant laze of trips to Grand Haven, learning to kayak both tandem and single, reading in the backyard or at the beach, binge-watching Netflix shows (The West Wing and Doc Martin), reading some more, and of course, job-hunting.

Oh job-hunting. These days I'm perfecting the art of the cover letter, networking like a boss on LinkedIn, and greedily gobbling up Forbes listicles about workplace etiquette, interview do's and don'ts, what you say with your body language, and best jobs for ISFJ personality types. (That's me!)

Here's me in my job-interview-ready fashion in July:


And here's today's interview look:


Oh and here's a picture of me kayaking for good measure:


I aim to start posting a little more frequently now that fall is here. In the meantime, hope you all had a great summer, and good luck to those of you who are starting school or who have kids starting school.

About Me

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I think, read and write. I might review books, mull on music, spin original poems, share insights or tell stories, but you can be sure whatever you read here comes from a thoughtful and considered place within.

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